Diagnosis of cancer Flashcards
1
Q
What are some problems with cancer screening?
A
- some techniques of screening involve small risks of serious complications (radiation)
- false-positive test result, which may lead to anxiety and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures
- over diagnosis
- false-negative screening test may falsely reassure an individual with subsequent clinical signs or symptoms of cancer therefore delay diagnosis and effective treatment
2
Q
Signs and symptoms of cancer
A
- change in bowel habits, bladder function. Pain with urination
- sores that do not heal - skin cancers may bleed and resemble sores that do not heal
- unusual bleeding or discharge - blood in sputum, stool = sign of colon or rectal cancer
- lumps in any part of body
- indigestion or trouble swallowing
- recent change in wart or mole - change in colour shape, loss of definite borders
3
Q
What is involved in an oncology exam?
A
- lumps or bumps - neck, abdomen, breasts
- organomegaly - hepatomegaly, splenomegaly
- fluid collections - pleural effusion, ascites, SVCO, jaundice
- neurological - dysphasia, unilateral motor signs eg weakening
4
Q
How is ascites examined?
A
abdo examination
- inspection
- peripheries - normal? jaundice?
- abdo distended
- distended veins or everted umbilicus
- palpation and percussion
- fluid thrill
- auscultation
5
Q
What investigations are carried out for diagnosis?
A
- chest x ray
- CT - abdo and pelvis
- mammogram
- FOB, urinalysis
- endoscopy
- tumour markers - AFP, HFG, PSA
- biopsy